Will you feel differently if Mattel brings out some of the wild Absolute stuff that you've been asking for pretty early on in their run? With unique sculpts that won't really be able to be re-used much?
First of all, I have to preface this by saying that when I say “different” it can mean crazy variations of the main cast like Gotham by Gaslight Batman, or characters no one has seen in years. Captain Comet, Andrew Bennett, G.I. Robot and the like. So yeah, Absolutes might work.
But here’s the thing. Standard fare, to me, means Bronze Age. And it’s not just for toys and action figures. DC’s Bronze Age is approximately 1970-1987. And it’s apparently the most recognizable versions of DC’s pantheon. Fans, executives, advertisers, vendors, retailers, influencers, creators, media people and others seem to be stuck in this well worn groove. It just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. And it’s exactly where Mattel has to go to get this new line off the ground. I’m not remotely gonna argue that point.
I’m clearly in the minority here. That’s not likely to change anytime soon. And I’m not complaining, just venting. So while I might buy Super: At Earth’s End, or Red Rain Batman, or Kingdom Come Flash, it’s doubtful I’ll buy another blue on gray Batman with medium ears and a yellow oval.
So yeah, bring on the Absolutes. I’ll at least check ’em out.